Travel into Belgium from Amsterdam is around 2 hours by train to Antwerp, within 2.5 hours as requested. For the Drielandenpunt visit, it can be taken en route from the Netherlands to Belgium as a slight detour near Vaals.
Day 1: July 20, 2026 - Amsterdam & Zaandam
Date: July 20, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Airport to Amsterdam Central Station by train: 20 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass
Amsterdam to Zaandam by train: 20 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Arrive at Amsterdam Airport 1:15pm then settle at accommodation in Amsterdam, ideally in the city centre close to Central Station to ease day trip access.
Afternoon: Visit Zaandam, a historic town known for the Zaanse Schans open-air museum showcasing traditional windmills and crafts. Entrance is free, some museums within the park charge around €8 per adult, €4 per child.
Evening: Relax back in Amsterdam’s canal district with a stroll and light dinner.
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Day 2: July 21, 2026 - Haarlem Day Trip
Date: July 21, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Amsterdam to Haarlem: 15 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Explore Haarlem visit Teylers Museum (science & art, €10 adults, €5 children) and the historic Grote Markt square.
Afternoon: Visit Haarlem’s Botanical Gardens (free entry) and the Frans Hals Museum (€15 adults, €7 children).
Evening: Return to Amsterdam, consider visiting Amsterdam Science Centre NEMO (interactive science museum), €17.50 adults, €14 children.
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Day 3: July 22, 2026 - Utrecht Day Trip
Date: July 22, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Amsterdam to Utrecht: 25 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Explore Dom Tower (€10 adults, €5 children) with panoramic views.
Afternoon: Visit Railway Museum in Utrecht, great for kids and adults (€17 adults, €11 children).
Evening: Return to Amsterdam for dinner.
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Day 4: July 23, 2026 - Drielandenpunt en route to Belgium
Date: July 23, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Amsterdam to Vaals (near Drielandenpunt): approx 2.5 hours, Covered by Interrail pass
Bus Vaals to Drielandenpunt: 15 minutes approx, Covered by Interrail pass
Vaals to Antwerp (Belgium base): approx 1.5 hours, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Travel to Drielandenpunt, the tripoint of Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Explore the observation tower and walking trails (free).
Afternoon: Continue onwards to Antwerp where you will set base for Belgium.
Belgium (4 days) Base: Antwerp Visiting: Ghent, Bruges
Travel from Antwerp to Cologne (Germany) around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, well within your onward travel requirement.
Date: July 24, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Local transport in Antwerp (trams/buses): €6 per person day pass approx (family ticket available) Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Antwerp Zoo (€24 adults, €18 children for family ticket), one of the oldest zoos in the world.
Afternoon: Explore MAS Museum for history and city views (€10 adults, free under 12).
Evening: Walk along Antwerp’s historic old town including the cathedral (free views outside, €6 entry inside).
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Day 6: July 25, 2026 - Ghent Day Trip
Date: July 25, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Antwerp to Ghent: 40 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Gravensteen Castle (€12 adults, €5 children), a medieval fortress.
Afternoon: Explore Ghent’s city centre canals and STAM City Museum (€10 adults, €5 children).
Evening: Return to Antwerp.
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Day 7: July 26, 2026 - Bruges Day Trip
Date: July 26, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Antwerp to Bruges: 1 hour, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Walk Bruges historic centre (UNESCO world heritage, free).
Afternoon: Visit Choco-Story Chocolate Museum (€12 adults, €7 children), and Bruges Belfry (€14 adults, €7 children).
Evening: Return to Antwerp.
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Day 8: July 27, 2026 - Travel to Germany (Cologne)
Date: July 27, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Antwerp to Cologne: approx 1h 45min, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Transfer day, settle at base in Cologne from now onward.
Date: July 28, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Local transit day pass: approx €10 per person Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Cologne Cathedral (free entry, small fee for tower climb €5 adults, €2 children).
Afternoon: Explore Chocolate Museum (€12 adults, €6 children), fun and educational.
Evening: Stroll by the Rhine river.
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Day 10: July 29, 2026 - Düsseldorf Day Trip
Date: July 29, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Cologne to Düsseldorf: 30 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Walk the famous Walking Rollercoaster suspension bridge (free).
Afternoon: Visit Königsallee shopping street and Rhine Tower for city views (€9 adults, free children under 6).
Evening: Return to Cologne.
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Day 11: July 30, 2026 - Bonn Day Trip
Date: July 30, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Cologne to Bonn: 20 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Schloss Paffendorf park and gardens (free).
Afternoon: Explore Beethoven House Museum (€10 adults, €5 children), a family-friendly historic site.
Evening: Return to Cologne.
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Day 12: July 31, 2026 - Phantasialand Day Trip
Date: July 31, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train & bus to Phantasialand near Brühl: approx 30-40 minutes from Cologne, Covered by Interrail pass plus approx €6 bus per person Activities & Attractions:
Full day: Phantasialand Theme Park, with roller coasters, water rides and entertainment suitable for kids and adults (€52 adults, €44 children 4-11).
Evening: Return to Cologne.
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Day 13: August 1, 2026 - Travel to Luxembourg
Date: August 1, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Cologne to Luxembourg City: approx 2.5 hours, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Arrival and settle at base in Luxembourg City.
Luxembourg (3 days) Base: Luxembourg City
Travel from Luxembourg City to Strasbourg (France) approx 2.5 hours by train.
Date: August 2, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Local transport pass approx €7 per person Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Casemates du Bock, fortifications with tunnels and views (€7 adults, €5 children).
Afternoon: Explore Grand Ducal Palace (exterior tours free) and Luxembourg City History Museum (€6 adults, free under 12).
Evening: Walk the old town.
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Day 15: August 3, 2026 - Day for nature and parks
Date: August 3, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Use local buses covered by day pass Activities & Attractions:
Visit the Mudam Luxembourg modern art museum (€8 adults, free kids), and walk to the Philharmonie Gardens (free). Ideal for family picnics and relaxation.
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Day 16: August 4, 2026 - Luxembourg to Strasbourg Travel
Date: August 4, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Luxembourg City to Strasbourg: approx 2.5 hours, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Arrival at Strasbourg, settle at city center base.
Strasbourg (3 days) Base: Strasbourg
Travel from Strasbourg to Zurich (Switzerland) approx 2.5 hours by train.
Date: August 5, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Local tram day pass: €6 adults, €3 children Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Strasbourg Cathedral (free), and climb the platform (€5 adults, free kids).
Afternoon: Walk the La Petite France district, explore its historic half-timbered houses (free).
Evening: Visit the Alsatian Museum (€6 adults, free kids).
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Day 18: August 6, 2026 - 3 Nations Point Trip
Date: August 6, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Strasbourg to Weil am Rhein (Germany, near tripoint): approx 30 min, Covered by Interrail pass
Bus to Drielandenpunt 5 mins, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning/Afternoon: Visit the 3 Nations Point (Germany, France, Switzerland meet), explore walking trails and observation tower (free).
Evening: Return to Strasbourg.
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Day 19: August 7, 2026 - Leisure day Strasbourg
Date: August 7, 2026 Activities & Attractions:
Visit European Parliament guided tours (free, pre-book), or relax along the Rhine riverbanks.
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Day 20: August 8, 2026 - Travel to Switzerland (Zurich)
Date: August 8, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Strasbourg to Zurich: approx 2h 50min, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Arrive and settle in Zurich.
Day 21: August 9, 2026 - Zurich City and Attractions
Date: August 9, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Tram & bus day pass: CHF 8.80 adults, CHF 4.40 children (approx) Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate (€15 adults, €9 children), an interactive chocolate factory experience.
Afternoon: Tour the FIFA Museum (€18 adults, €10 children), ideal for sports fans.
Evening: Walk the old town.
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Day 22: August 10, 2026 - Lucerne Day Trip
Date: August 10, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Zurich to Lucerne: 50 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: See Chapel Bridge and Old Town (free).
Afternoon: Visit Swiss Museum of Transport (€16 adults, €12 children), great for families with transport exhibits and planetarium.
Evening: Return to Zurich.
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Day 23: August 11, 2026 - Winterthur & Liechtenstein
Date: August 11, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Zurich to Winterthur: 25 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass
Train Zurich to Sargans for Liechtenstein onward: approx 1.5 hrs total, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Explore Winterthur Museum (art and history, €10 adults, children free).
Afternoon: Take a day trip to Liechtenstein (Vaduz), explore castle exterior and National Museum (€12 adults, €8 children).
Evening: Return to Zurich.
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Day 24: August 12, 2026 - Travel to Austria (Vienna)
Date: August 12, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Zurich to Vienna: approx 8 hours direct train or via Munich (consider night train or fly). For interrail, train via Munich approx 8 hours covered, overnight train option possible. Activities & Attractions:
Day mostly for travel; arrive and settle in Vienna.
Austria (4 days) Base: Vienna Visiting: Salzburg, Graz
Travel from Vienna to Nice (France) approx 2.5 hours by train is not possible, closest major French city is Strasbourg from Austria about 4-5 hrs. Instead, direct train Vienna to Nice not feasible under 2.5 hours; best to fly or adjust France base to Eastern cities. We'll base in Nice for France after Austria, and fly from Vienna to Nice.
Date: August 13, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Local transport daily pass: approx €8 adults, €4 children Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Schönbrunn Palace entry (€22 adults, €12 children), gardens free.
Afternoon: Explore Haus der Musik, interactive sound museum (€15 adults, €10 children).
Evening: Walk around historic Inner City (free).
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Day 26: August 14, 2026 - Salzburg Day Trip
Date: August 14, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Vienna to Salzburg: approx 2.5 hours, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress (€13 adults, €5 children).
Afternoon: Tour Mozart’s Birthplace (€12 adults, €6 children).
Evening: Return to Vienna.
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Day 27: August 15, 2026 - Graz Day Trip
Date: August 15, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Vienna to Graz: approx 2.5 hours, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Explore Schlossberg Hill, clock tower and views (free).
Afternoon: Visit Kunsthaus Graz (€10 adults, free children).
Evening: Return to Vienna.
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Day 28: August 16, 2026 - Fly to Nice, France
Date: August 16, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Flight Vienna to Nice approx 1 h 40 min, approx €70 per person (family approx €280)
Taxi/train to accommodation in Nice city center Activities & Attractions:
Arrival and settle in Nice.
France (6 days) Base: Nice Visiting: Cannes, Antibes
Fly into Nice from Vienna, onward travel to Barcelona by train approx 5.5 hours, so slightly longer than requested but best option available.
Date: August 17, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Local bus/tram ticket approx €5 per person daily Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill Park (free views).
Afternoon: Explore MAMAC Museum modern art (€10 adults, free children).
Evening: Walk Old Town Nice.
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Day 30: August 18, 2026 - Cannes Day Trip
Date: August 18, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Nice to Cannes: 30 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Cannes beach and film festival palace (Palais des Festivals, free outside).
Afternoon: Explore Le Suquet old town and museums (free/low cost).
Evening: Return to Nice.
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Day 31: August 19, 2026 - Antibes Day Trip
Date: August 19, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Nice to Antibes: 20 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Marineland (marine zoo & theme park), approx €42 adults, €33 children.
Afternoon: Explore Antibes Old Town and Picasso Museum (€8 adults, free children).
Evening: Return to Nice.
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Day 32: August 20, 2026 - Monaco Day Trip
Date: August 20, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Nice to Monaco: 20 minutes, Covered by Interrail pass Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Oceanographic Museum (€14 adults, €9 children).
Afternoon: Explore Monaco Palace and gardens (free to walk grounds).
Evening: Return to Nice.
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Day 33: August 21, 2026 - Leisure day in Nice
Date: August 21, 2026 Activities & Attractions:
Leisure day with beach time or visit local markets.
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Day 34: August 22, 2026 - Travel to Spain (Barcelona)
Date: August 22, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Nice to Barcelona approx 5.5 hrs, approx €60-80 per person (family approx €280) - no Interrail coverage
Arrival in Barcelona, settle at accommodation.
Spain (4 days) Base: Barcelona Visiting: Sitges, Tarragona
Date: August 23, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
T-10 Metro card approx €11 for 10 rides, suitable for family use Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Sagrada Familia (€26 adults, €20 children), spectacular Gaudí architecture.
Afternoon: Explore Parc Güell (€10 adults, free children under 6).
Evening: Walk along La Rambla.
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Day 36: August 24, 2026 - Sitges Day Trip
Date: August 24, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Barcelona to Sitges: 40 mins, approx €10 pp return (family approx €35) Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Explore beaches of Sitges (free).
Afternoon: Visit Maricel Museum (€6 adults, free children).
Evening: Return to Barcelona.
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Day 37: August 25, 2026 - Tarragona Day Trip
Date: August 25, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train Barcelona to Tarragona: 1 hour, approx €10 pp return (family approx €35) Activities & Attractions:
Morning: Visit Roman Amphitheatre (€5 adults, €3 children).
Afternoon: Explore Tarragona Cathedral, tower access (€3 adults, free children).
Evening: Return to Barcelona.
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Day 38: August 26, 2026 - Leisure day and Departure Prep
Date: August 26, 2026 Activities & Attractions:
Leisure day to explore Barceloneta Beach and local markets.
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Day 39: August 27, 2026 - Departure from Barcelona Airport
Date: August 27, 2026 Method of Travel & Costs:
Train or Aerobus to Airport: approx €5 pp
Flight departure 1:05pm.
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Time and Cost Estimates
Zaanse Schans: 3-4 hours, €16 total family for museums
Teylers Museum: 2 hours, €30 family
Frans Hals Museum: 2 hours, €44 family
Dom Tower, Utrecht: 1.5 hours, €30 family
Railway Museum, Utrecht: 3 hours, €56 family
Drielandenpunt Visit: 3 hours, free
Antwerp Zoo: half day, €84 family
MAS Museum: 2 hours, €20 family
Gravensteen Castle: 2 hours, €34 family
Ghent STAM Museum: 2 hours, €30 family
Choco-Story Bruges: 2 hours, €80 family
Phantasialand: Full day, approx €192 family (+ transport bus approx €24)
Casemates du Bock Luxembourg: 2 hours, €24 family
Luxembourg City History Museum: 2 hours, €12 family
Strasbourg Cathedral Platform: 1 hour, €10 family
3 Nations Point: 3 hours, free
Lindt Chocolate Factory Zurich: 2 hours, €48 family
FIFA Museum Zurich: 2 hours, €56 family
Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne: 3 hours, €56 family
Liechtenstein National Museum: 3 hours, €40 family
Schönbrunn Palace Vienna: 3 hours, €68 family
Haus der Musik Vienna: 2 hours, €50 family
Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzburg: 2 hours, €36 family
Beethoven House Bonn: 2 hours, €30 family
Marineland Antibes: Full day, €150 family
Sagrada Familia: 2 hours, €92 family
Parc Güell: 2 hours, approx €20 family
Roman Amphitheatre Tarragona: 2 hours, €16 family
Total estimated cost for activities and some extra transport: approx €1,700
Tips
To shorten the trip, consider reducing time in France and Spain by a couple of days each, focusing on highlight cities like Barcelona and Nice. To extend, add an extra day or two in Germany or Switzerland to explore more theme parks or museums, or include additional day trips to nearby smaller towns. Booking accommodations early and targeting budget-friendly family hotels or apartments in city centers can keep costs reasonable. Use Interrail passes extensively to save on train travel across countries.